07 Dec Leslie Vashus
Leslie “Ross” Vashus, age 71, of Fergus Falls MN passed away Saturday, December 3, 2022 at home. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Fergus Falls MN. It will also be streamed via Zoom.
Ross was born on December 14, 1950 in Glendive MT to Lawrence and Bernice (Lewis) Vashus. He graduated from Dawson County High School with the class of 1969. He then went on to North Dakota State College of Science for an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering.
Ross was baptized as one of Jehovah’s witnesses May 15, 1971 and spent much of his time and energy helping others learn about Jehovah’s love and Jesus Christ’s Ransom. He did his best to raise his family according to Bible principles. Ross married Vickie Sutton on April 18, 1981 and they lived in Mandan ND. Ross worked as the Chief Plant Operator at WBI Energy, Inc, formally known as MDU, until he retired in 2009.
Ross was the happiest when he was able to find ways to help others, be it fixing computers and cars or making a batch of his famous BBQ sauce and sharing it with friends and family. His sense of humor was well known. He loved making people laugh. We all have our favorite stories. He loved watching football, listening to the oldies, and playing games.
Ross is survived by his Wife, Vickie Vashus, of 41 years. Brothers Doug (Kayrene) Vashus of MT and Darrell (Jan) Vashus of UT. Daughters Kistin (Michael) Wenstad of ND, Diedre (Matthew) Tollefson of SD, Shaun (Casey) McKeag of OR, and Tammie (Tanner) Gray of MN. Grandchildren Kingsley and Gwyneth Gray of MN whom he adored.
Any correspondence may be sent C/O Tammie Gray P.O. Box 580 Pelican Rapids MN 56572
Our sincere condolences to the Vashus family. Ross helped raise beautiful children and we are so grateful to have his wonderful daughter Diedre’ be part of our family! Diedre’ is one of the kindest wonderful daughter of Ross and I know she loved him with all her heart as did his other children! I am sure he was proud of you all. Death truly is an enemy but soon Jehovah will make everything right again. We are so sad that Ross has died and our hearts and tears are with you all. It will be a wonderful day to see him again in the resurrection.
Much Love,
Dan & Janette Block
Sioux Falls SD
My sincere sympathy to the family.
I didn’t get to know Ross very well, but always really enjoyed his comments at the meetings, even right up to very end. And he sure raised a very nice family! You are all in our thoughts and prayers!
Your loss of Ross brings us all a deep sadness. His love for his family was evident throughout his life, raising his beautiful family and teaching them Bible principles as he showed much love for our God Jehovah, the God of all comfort. 2 Cor l:3. May you all find strength in the love that surrounds you. Many prayers are being sent for you all. Sally Tollefson
It was a pleasant surprise to learn that Ross was raised in the same ‘neck of the woods’ of eastern Montana! I look forward to getting to know him better, but in a world free from tears, death, and pain. (Rev 21:4)
My thoughts and prayers are with each of his dear family members.
Although we didn’t get to know Ross that well as we wanted to, it was a pleasure to hear his heartfelt comments during meetings. You could always tell how much he loved Jehovah and trusted in his promises. That love shown through his family. His beautiful wife, daughters and grandchildren were a reflection of his love and care for them. We look forward to the day when Jehovah wakes him up and he can finally be free of sickness. We love you all and are praying for your comfort. ❤️
Sincere and tender condolences to the family! We are so sorry for your loss.
Growing up in Mandan was beautiful because Tammie was my best friend.
Even though Ross already had a full house of girls, he let me come spend the night all the time! It was truly my second home and I am so grateful I had the Vashus family as a kid… Even if Diedre didn’t let me drink any of her coca-cola!
One memory that I cherish of Ross was on one of the anniversary’s that he and Vickie had, he invited Tammie and I to go with them to dinner at the Seven Seas. I must have been 9 or 10 years old. Truly, it was the fanciest place I had ever laid eyes on. I was allowed to order anything on the menu I wanted, so of course I ordered a coke, and then, I figured, well, I better try a steak for the first time. I ordered it well done because doesn’t that just sound exactly how it should be done… “well” !
When the food arrived, Ross had ordered correctly and had a nice juicy steak set before him, whereas I blissfully enjoyed my chewy masterpiece. He said to me, “Why didn’t you just order a hamburger?”
I didn’t know what he meant at the time, but now I surely do.
My husband and I were so happy to recently see Ross all decked out in his Cousins jersey coming back from his first Vikings game ever and thankfully they WON! I remember Ross always watching the Vikings and Star Trek. These two things didn’t interest me at all as a kid, but now, yet again, I see the appeal.
I wish I had asked him to teach me cribbage so I could be as quick at counting as Tammie and Shaun are. I will have to play a game with him someday and tell him how much my first steak meant to me, whilst we eat salads and fresh bread.
So much love to you all, from Naty and Dave Martin.